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All I could remember of you was a vague shadow,
Though for that one night you were my saviour.
Perhaps I was just another tick on your list,
But that night, we filled the void in our desires.
Each touch from you was not lost from memory,
It was as though you had not left my side;
as we stayed locked in that embrace
Come back, and save the stranded me…

Rediscovering complex geometrics, the notion of creating in adapt details out of overlapping and layering sheer nothingness, like a twin set asymmetric piece of knitted garment on its body.

Form is unbounded by any fixed silhouettes, approaching each new mistakes with even bigger anticipation to make even more.

These irregular forms occur in such an artistic manner, exciting us with their unfinished details, absolute incoherence in shapes, absurdity of flow and their entire lack of structure.

Twisting and turning, draping and paneling, constructing every garment purely based on an expectation that there will be none to begin with. Each garment evolves from the previous form to begin with, highlighting its juxtaposition of irregular streamlines and geometric style lines.

Fabricating newness, readapting to forms.

The Inteview

Veteran local designer, Nicholas Wong, has got something new up his sleeves, but this time, he’s not alone. Partnering with Daniel Loh, assistant fashion designer for Nicholas, label SATURDAY is the latest offering to Singapore’s ever-growing fashion ground. Both designers introduce the new label, their partnership, as well as their unique views on all things fashion in our exclusive interview. By Luth Seah Zhiqiang.

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Test Shoot Gallery (TSG): The design philosophy of SATURDAY?

Nic Wong (N) & Daniel Loh (D): SATURDAY is all about keeping things minimal, effortless and taking a more pragmatic approach in clothes making. It is easy to be different, but it is very difficult to be better. It is about changing the misconceptions and stereotypes of basic casual wear and their place in the wardrobe. Our designs are not determined by trends; instead they are our personal take on aesthetics and experimentations on garments. It is all about celebrating the imperfect, the impermanent and the incomplete.

TSG: Can you tell us more about your partnership? What are your roles and how do you work together in creating the collection?

N: There are no roles, we are pretty flexible.D: We handle everything from design to marketing, to overseeing production to managing the retail operations. Of course we do have our colleagues, pattern drafters, and production assistants that we work closely with who make everything work.

TSG: How different is the working process when you collaborate with someone compared to working on your own?

N: Trust is the common language spoken, but it is important to have the same rapport with the individuals that we are collaborating with. For example, during a shoot, we must work closely with the photographers and stylists, making sure the execution and the end product are in harmony.D: We also need to have mutual understanding between ourselves. We know our limitations and more importantly, are receptive to each other’s creative input on ideas.

TSG: It has been 2 years since the conceptualization of the label Saturday; what is the reason you’ve kept us eagerly waiting for your first collection?

N: We did not want to launch it as ‘just another label’. We wanted to fine-tune all areas of the label- branding, designs, production quality, retail and business aspects. The planning was crucial in making sure that we delivered not just quality, but also an experience.D: Even though we are working on casual wear and basics, the finishing is very important and we have had multiple fitting sessions to get a great fit on every style we’ve designed. Oh, did we mention that we are still working on our shop cards right now?

TSG: As you may have noticed, communicating fashion through video seems to have become the “next big thing”. Why do you think this is happening?

N: Consumers are getting technologically savvier and want more than just another still image- video fits just that. It translates moods and portrays the garments in motion, offering both interactivity for consumers and conveying a message even stronger for the label.D: From photography, video and even collaborating with illustrators for some of the upcoming campaigns, creative disciplines no longer stay in solitude but cross boundaries: fashion and art, fashion and film,
fashion and music and then some, like the recent Jennifer Lopez’s new song about Louboutins; it just doesn’t stop there.

TSG:What has this industry taught you?

N: In terms of business, we have to be more thorough in our planning and everything we do must be in black and white. Being in the industry for 4 years, I have experienced some backlashes and various unforeseen situations that have threatened the business, as well as circumstances one cannot control especially when operations is not local.D: Being more realistic in both design and business aspects. You have to take in account production costing; is your product affordable in retail? It is no longer just you and yourself; it is an involvement that affects everyone you work with. Nevertheless, one cannot compromise their integrity.

TSG:What were your childhood aspirations?

N: I thought I would make a good runner or swimmer.D: CAPTAIN PLANET!

TSG: What are your thoughts on the current state of menswear? How would you like to see it evolve?

N: Locally, we are still very lacking in the menswear availability, and there are only a handful brands that are established.D: In design schools, there is an obvious lack of exposure to students on menswear. There is this due to the misconception that menswear can only be the shirt, jacket and pants combo, but it’s actually more than that. And I guess most designers have this fear to cross this uncharted path, but they have to realize that the men’s taste in fashion has changed dramatically over the years, and so must their ideas about it.

TSG:Who would you most like to dress?

N: It would probably be Alexa Chung, model and TV presenter from the UK. Her versatile look would carry off our label very well.D: My mum, she would make a really wicked model to work with. No fusses, pure fun, effortless, perfect!

TSG:What are your upcoming plans?

N: Focusing on establishing the label and sharing our design and aesthetics globally, one step at a time. We are currently in talk with New York buyers and we will also be launching in Kuala Lumpur with MATERiEL in March this year.D: We recently collaborated with the duo from VICE & VANITY on a new range of accessories that is only available at the NICHOLAS flagship store in Marina Square, and we are already working on with yet another collaboration with them that is set to be ready in April this year.

TSG:Who is/are your greatest artistic influence(s)?

N: Jackson Pollock. I remembered the first time I chanced upon his artworks,was during my college years while I was visiting the Guggenheim Museum in New York. It was the colors, the dripping and splash technique that was anything but deliberate. The coincidentally well calculated geometrics in his works that astounded me.D: Egon Schiele, whom I believe many are familiar with, literature works from the late Theresa Duncan, who still intrigues me on her theories and thoughts, like a prose; light hearted and yet full of meaning. Other
notables would be graffiti artist, Banksy, photographer Henrick Purienne and J.D. Howell, and illustrators like Garance.

TSG:What advice do you have for our designers who are just starting out in their careers?

N: Still waters run deep.D: Four meals, take a humble pie as your staple daily breakfast for a start, a serving of less talk and more action as lunch, knowing your ability and limits for your dinner and end your supper with a tinge of respect when you work with others.

TSG: Platforms such as the Singapore Fashion Festival help create awareness. What further support do you think our homegrown labels need?

N: Funding would be a cliche answer, but I would say supporting homegrown labels in their efforts to be featured and introduced internationally to places like Japan, Holland, Germany, and Scandanavia. To be marketed there with the backing of a government body will be amazing.D: Collaborations with other international labels, or even cross-disciplinary projects with other artists and designers could spur interesting projects and campaigns.

“The world’s most beautiful flowers bloom in ceaseless infrequency,
While the most stunning sceneries last only for the shortest time.
Please, no more excuses about leaving,
You’re not convincing me with just a glass of wine.
Here, let’s refill our empty desires,
Because honestly, when we will we stop getting love drunk?My tears are brought upon by my yearnings,
Tell me my love, after this wonderful night, when will you return?”